Baseball is a game of tradition and superstition. From pre-game rituals to batting and pitching routines, everything about the game and its players lends itself to repetition and everyday habitual activity. So, it is no surprise that it took baseball players and coaches some time to see the benefits of a sound strength and conditioning program. Even now, there is some hesitation to expand thinking to more non-traditional forms of training. But if you want to be the best in your profession, you have to do what others are unwilling to do. Many athletes across a variety of sports are beginning to incorporate more bodyweight training into their strength and conditioning programs. And one way they are accomplishing this is with the TRX Suspension Trainer.
What is TRX?
The TRX is a piece of equipment that was developed by a Navy Seal so that he and his teammates could train wherever they were able: on a ship, in a hotel, at home, anywhere. The set of straps can be attached to any high point and utilized for a variety of bodyweight exercises. Most (if not all) of the exercises that can be performed on the TRX will challenge the athlete’s core strength, balance, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility.
Benefits of TRX
At our facility in Colorado Springs (Max Performance), we use the TRX on a daily basis with our athletes. Depending on the athlete or training program, we will include various exercises using the TRX or we will incorporate an entire workout using it. It has been an extremely useful tool in developing our athletes into stronger and more stable individuals. Furthermore, when training groups that have athletes from different sports, we can adapt on-the-go with each athlete so we can focus on the individual without slowing down the training session.
It’s Portable
Sometimes, space is an issue if there are lots of athletes in the facility at one time. So, we have to move the TRX to different parts of the gym to be able to utilize it. The unit is lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. Furthermore, it fits right into its own carrying bag so athletes who own one can take it with them anywhere. This allows the athlete to maximize his training time with full body, efficient workouts wherever he is – in the gym, on the field, or on the road for the college and pro ballplayers.
It’s Versatile
There are literally hundreds of functional exercises that can be performed on the TRX. Once the basic concept is understood and the user has mastered the simpler movements, exercises can be combined to create unique and challenging training programs that can help enhance the performance of a baseball player. For our baseball guys, we utilize mostly posterior chain exercises, as well as back and core strengthening.
Improved Conditioning
Whether you are playing Little League, college baseball, or at the professional ranks, the TRX can adapt for any level of fitness. The TRX allows the athlete to train in three planes of motion which causes muscle groups to work together to help build strength and core stability, as well as balance and flexibility. By circuiting multiple exercises back to back the athlete can challenge his cardiovascular conditioning while he strength trains.
Learn More
You can find out more about the TRX and Fitness Anywhere (the company who makes the unit), by clicking here. Also, look for future posts on The Full Windup discussing different exercises that can be performed with the TRX so you can learn how to properly incorporate this fantastic tool into your training program.
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